Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 41 - Chapitre 50

Edward told me he couldn't afford a 13,000,000-dollar loan, right? That would mean they couldn't possibly bid on the bracelet at a price I couldn't beat.The auction began.Swedbury was one of the most globally recognized auction houses, so every charity auction they hosted attracted the rich, both local and international.I knew some of the attendees—they were part of Metropolis' wealthy class.Every collectible, painting, and more had ended at terrifyingly high prices. Even the least expensive items were sold for millions.These millionaires and billionaires spent their money as though there was no tomorrow!It made my anxiety skyrocket. I was starting to worry I wouldn't be able to buy the bracelet after all.Edward and Maddison spent most of their time whispering to each other as if they were the sweetest couple ever—instead of two idiots who had fought publicly just a few days ago.They bid a few times but never really bought anything. I guess they were just here for the f

I had to use all of my strength to force the tears back.It hurt so much because the attack had come from someone I used to love.Despair and hate filled me. My fingers trembled.Then, suddenly, I asked, "Will you keep going as long as I keep raising the price?"Edward looked pained. "Please stop, Tay."I smiled at him and shouted, "20,000,000 dollars!"What was the worst that could happen? I'd become everyone's punchline. My company would be taken from me. I'd be bankrupt.But if this gambit worked out, and he took the bait… he'd be the one losing a ton of money over a bracelet he himself saw as worthless!As far as a consolation prize went, this would do nicely.I knew it. Edward couldn't take my provocation.Maddison, though, had no idea she was reaching the end of her line. She saw the gavel raised and snatched Edward's paddle, shrieking, "27,000,000 dollars!"The crowd gasped. Even the auctioneer slurred his words in excitement. "Oh my God! Will we see anyone top this t

I could not imagine what kind of news this would become on the Internet. I couldn't even tell if it would be a good or bad thing for me.What I did know was that I won. I fucking won. I hadn't lost my dignity in this bidding war, and I had just delivered a metaphorical slap in the face to Edward and Maddison.I would have died for Soren just for the help he had given me. Seriously.Maddison could barely afford to put on airs anymore."When did you become friends with Mr. Kenway, Taylor?" she demanded, envy dripping from her voice.I held the box close to me and smiled smugly. "Why do you care?""You b—"I turned away, ready to leave the auction before it ended.Maddison knew she had lost and turned to Edward in a fit. "We're fucking leaving! What are we still here for?! The thing I wanted is already gone!"Edward just stared ahead, dazed, as though he hadn't recovered from his shock.I wasn't interested in them. Instead, I raced toward the entrance as quickly as I could. Mayb

To Soren, it was probably as easy as taking candy from a baby.I hesitated. Should I contact him to express my gratitude?I thought about it for a while and decided to stick to my usual principle: a little gratitude could never hurt. Whether he accepted it or not was up to him.I sifted through the stack of business cards I had collected and found the one Michael had given me.Michael answered the phone. "Miss Jones, hello."This must be Soren's PR office's number. Someone like him wouldn't hand out his personal contact details so casually."Hi, Mr. Kidd. I'd like to thank Mr. Kenway for his help yesterday. Is this a good time?" I asked, getting straight to the point."Of course, Miss Jones. Just a moment," he replied."Got it."I remembered how he had addressed me—Fair Miss Taylor Jones.It sounded like something a lord's retainer might say to a lady in a medieval tale. I had a feeling Michael had used that formality because Maddison was there.Now that it was just the two

I could not believe this woman. She wasn't going to leave my office unscathed!I grabbed my phone to call the cops. Maybe my father needed his wife to keep him company in his cell!Cameron heard me addressing the police and went wild. She circled the desk and grabbed another folder. She began launching attacks on me."How dare you call the cops again, you bitch?! You've already locked your dad up! They charged him with prostitution! He has to be inside for 10 days!"You blackhearted bitch! You're worse than even your mother! You've torn our family apart! How could you still be alive?!"How could God let you live like this? Why aren't you the one with cancer? Why aren't you the one dying? I bet your bitch-ass mom is waiting for you!"Why is my precious darling… the one who has to die so soon? She's so young…"She was hysterical, hitting me and shouting until, somehow, she started crying too.I protected my head as best as I could. I needed to make sure my face was at least fine, but she